Thomas Bone, CEO of Merkur Online Divisions: "Our experience at SBC Summit in Lisbon was exceptional"

Thomas Bone, CEO of Merkur Online Divisions (B2B) has a lot to say about his experience as an exhibitor at the recently concluded SBC Summit Lisbon. He explained that “Our experience at the SBC Summit in Lisbon was exceptional. For Merkur eSolutions, it was an opportunity to highlight our innovative omnichannel technology solutions that support the gaming industry. Paylado was able to showcase its secure and seamless payment processing, while Edict demonstrated its unique approach to game aggregation. Bede also made a significant impact by highlighting its scalable iGaming platform. The energy and engagement from the audience made it clear that this SBC event is a thriving hub for gaming technology”.

Without a doubt, such an important event implied a series of expectations for companies before their participation and in this sense Bone explains that “Our expectations were centered around increasing our presence in Europe with our key markets Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and they were met across the board. Merkur eSolutions found a receptive audience for its innovative omnichannel Terminals. Paylado was well-received by operators seeking secure, cutting-edge payment system that allows cash conversion and deposit cash for online business. Edict saw strong interest in its proprietary slot games and seamless integration, while Bede impressed attendees with its flexible iGaming solutions tailored for both regulated and emerging markets”

Bone is also very satisfied with the feedback from show attendees regarding the products that Merkur presented. To the point that explains to us that “The response was overwhelmingly positive. For Merkur eSolutions, operators were keen on how we combine a multi login for various online gambling offerings with cash deposit and added eshop offerings. Paylado's focus on secure, efficient transactions resonated well with operators prioritizing smooth user payment flows. Edict drew attention for its localized, premium content, and Bede captivated many with its modular approach to platform solutions that offer flexibility for growing operators.”

How did you take advantage of Networking opportunities at the Event?

“The networking opportunities were invaluable. We met our existing friends and made new ones! All of our present companies connected with operators and built partnerships with service providers. Additional to that we had fruitful discussions with industry leaders and regulators about iGaming infrastructure and future developments.”

What would you say was the most outstanding Product presented at SBC Summit Lisbon?

“Our most outstanding product would vary by brand: Merkur eSolutions' omnichannel terminals, which help operators stay compliant and efficient, generated a lot of interest. Paylado’s instant and secure payment systems were also a big hit, particularly among operators wanting to streamline user experiences. Due to the fact that depositing cash is still a big topic! Edict wowed the audience with its versatile game library, including its exclusive Merkur slot games, while Bede's comprehensive, cloud-based iGaming platform, known for its scalability and security, stood out as a robust solution for operators”.

What can you tell us about the growth of the gaming market in Portugal and Europe?

“Portugal, along with Europe at large, is an exciting market for us. The regulatory landscape is becoming more stable, and that’s providing a fertile ground for companies like Merkur, which prioritize security and compliance. Edict and Bede are witnessing significant demand for localized content and customizable platforms, and with more players moving online, Europe is poised to remain one of the leader in digital transformation in iGaming.”

AI and New trends in the gaming industry

“AI and emerging technologies are becoming more and more important to our products. We are developing and starting use AI to enhance fraud detection and compliance. Also for monitoring behavior and to secure transactions. We use new technologies to create immersive gaming experiences and enhance back-end efficiency, additionally personalizing player journeys and ensure operators can keep up in this highly competitive market” The CEO of Merkur Online Divisions explained to us and closely linked to this topic he referred to the most important Trends in the gaming industry today which he listed “First, the shift to more AI-driven personalization is becoming essential for both player retention and operational efficiency. Blockchain and secure payment technologies, like those offered by Paylado, are transforming how transactions are handled. Content localization and cross-platform integration—areas where Edict and Bede —are also becoming more critical, as operators focus on delivering tailored gaming experiences. Regulation will continue to evolve, and companies that can balance innovation with compliance, like Merkur eSolutions and Bede, will be at the forefront”.